What I learned from my summer sabbatical
Valeri Hall Little, ACC, CPC, ELI-MP
Let's design your agency to run without you. | Founder & CEO at Built to SOAR?
Three months ago, I was feeling overwhelmed by everything in my life.
?
As I looked at what was happening on the personal and business landscape of living, I realized I was at a crossroads.
?Continue at an accelerated pace, or put my business on pause.
?I chose the latter.
?Doing so scared me, yet I knew pausing had to happen if I wanted to avoid burning out altogether.
?To prepare for my summer sabbatical, I wrote you an email … which I never sent.
?The reason was that my team stepped up and scheduled past blogs to be delivered to you throughout the summer.
?I was grateful for their support.
?Fast forward to today, I feel it’s important to share with you the words I wrote back then.
?I’ve heard from colleagues and clients that they too are feeling on the precipice of burnout. They feel scattered, unfocused and are falling behind on the work that matters most.
?Perhaps you’re feeling the same, and this is exactly what you need to hear today …
?Embracing a Summer of Stillness
?Have you ever wished the busyness would fade so you can catch your breath and connect to yourself again??
?
This describes me these past few months.
?
My days have been jampacked both personally and professionally.?(I’m moving to a new city, getting my daughter ready for University, and making changes to my business. Whoa!)
?
As I move from task to task, I recall the vision I had of my summer …
?
Long days when life and business naturally slow to a casual pace. Where I can catch my breath and feel renewed.
?
Yet that wasn’t happening.?
?
In fact, things were accelerating.
?
The responsibility rested solely on me.
?
I was behind the wheel stepping on the gas pedal, moving faster and faster.
?
As I realized what was happening I knew I could choose to continue at that accelerated pace, or I could take my foot off the pedal and allow things to slow down.
领英推荐
?
As I often say to my clients … you are always in choice.
?
And so I made my choice …?
?
To intentionally pause, create space and become still.
?
To allow lightness, gentleness and warmth into my days so that I may feel energized, connected and aligned once again.
?
What I know is this … I’m only able to GIVE my best, when I’m AT my best.
?
For me, it’s time to slow down and I know in my heart that doing so is completely ok.
?
As I write to you I’m sitting in a comfortable spot, feeling warmth, sun and breeze. Already, I’m feeling calm energy flow through me.
?
I’m choosing to follow this feeling.
?
Reading those words now sends a chill down my spine.?
When I reflect on my summer sabbatical, what stands out now are three important lessons I learned …
?1. Slowing down helped me return to my business with focus and energy.?
?
2. Self-care isn’t selfish.
?
3. I am the biggest asset in my business. My wellbeing means everything.
?
Here’s the truth.
?You have the power to choose how you want to show up every day … in your life and in your business.
?I invite you to always check in with yourself by asking this question …
?What is it I need most right now to BE at my best??
?Is it to step up or step away?
?The choice is always yours.
?If you’re stuck in the daily grind and are looking for a way to balance your business with your personal life, I’m here to help. I’ve opened up extra spots in my calendar so we can chat about what would be your next step to making that happen.
If you’re ready to FEEL good again running your business ,?click here to book your free Clarity Call
Owner/ Lead Graphic Designer at Danielle Lewis Designs
2 年I too took time to play this summer and it was the best thing I could have ever done.